This is a complex issue with the bottom line being consolidation must happen for cost saving and efficiency. One school district with one group of teachers. Please write another article about where we can see the cost savings from unification, and how it might result in better education , test scores,and outcomes.
Dear Ted, Thanks for writing. This article did not oppose consolidation. It challenged the RPC to tighten up its act and start consideration of many options and to conduct needed public discussion, or it will be soundly defeated just as the high school needed 20 years an three votes to get it done.
A few years ago I compared what the best schools like Boston Latin and top HS in Maine spend per student vs the results they score on standardized tests (I know but the only public method of comparison!). MDI HS — which is dominated by Bar Harbor — spends an equivalent amount per student but ranks about 65% in test scores vs the others. The teacher/student ratio is among the lowest and still does not produce better results. I think consolidation makes sense from an administrative standpoint—10 meetings!! As a nonresident taxpayer I continue to be disgusted with the corruption and waste by Bar Harbor like the money spigot has no off position. Connors-Emerson being the latest example at twice the price of similar schools built recently in Maine. It makes me wary on ANYTHING that originates from the corrupt politicians running Bar Harbor. I wish I could pick up my house and move across the bay.
This is a complex issue with the bottom line being consolidation must happen for cost saving and efficiency. One school district with one group of teachers. Please write another article about where we can see the cost savings from unification, and how it might result in better education , test scores,and outcomes.
Dear Ted, Thanks for writing. This article did not oppose consolidation. It challenged the RPC to tighten up its act and start consideration of many options and to conduct needed public discussion, or it will be soundly defeated just as the high school needed 20 years an three votes to get it done.
The AOS structure is a failure. It needs to be replaced by a more reasonable RSU regardless of consolidation. This needs to be the highest priority.
A few years ago I compared what the best schools like Boston Latin and top HS in Maine spend per student vs the results they score on standardized tests (I know but the only public method of comparison!). MDI HS — which is dominated by Bar Harbor — spends an equivalent amount per student but ranks about 65% in test scores vs the others. The teacher/student ratio is among the lowest and still does not produce better results. I think consolidation makes sense from an administrative standpoint—10 meetings!! As a nonresident taxpayer I continue to be disgusted with the corruption and waste by Bar Harbor like the money spigot has no off position. Connors-Emerson being the latest example at twice the price of similar schools built recently in Maine. It makes me wary on ANYTHING that originates from the corrupt politicians running Bar Harbor. I wish I could pick up my house and move across the bay.
Pipe dream for swh to give up it's k-8. DOA!